Music legend ends on a high note

MOURNERS were greeted to the distinctive sound of the Allan Brown Big Band as they paid their last respects to the founder of Brisbane's best known swing band.

More than 20 musicians gave their time and talent to honour the memory of Durack's Allan Ernest Brown, who had led the band for nearly four decades and who, despite a debilitating illness, had fronted it until he could no longer lift his trombone.

Hours earlier the band provided a moving musical backdrop at his funeral service, performing What A Wonderful World and his favourite tune, Frank Sinatra's Young At Heart.

Mr Brown, whose band provided the music for stars like Pavarotti, Roy Orbison and Sinatra himself, died last month after a long illness.

His funeral was held on Thursday, August 2, at the Corinda Catholic Church.

The 76-year-old was one of Queensland's finest and most respected musicians and music teachers.

Raised in Connell's Point, NSW, Mr Brown started to play the trombone as a teenager with the St George Brass Band.

His grandfather Ernie Glass had played the cornet in his own big band and took his grandson to school at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Throughout his five years at the conservatorium, Mr Brown clung to a passion for swing bands like Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Count Basie.

He played in dance bands, variety shows at the Tivoli and theatre performances such as Bye Bye Birdie and Oliver.

He toured New Zealand with Harry Wren shows and during that time met his wife, dancer Sandra Breen.

The couple travelled with the Black and White Minstrel Show, but when it came to Brisbane in 1965, they decided to settle in Durack.

Mr Brown played in Brisbane with Darcy Kelly's band at Cloudland and Arthur Hubbard's Workshop Jazz Band before landing his dream job in 1969 as a bass trombonist with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

He played in the orchestra for 20 years while also taking over the reins of the Workshop Band, which later became the 4IP Big Band and finally the Allan Brown Big Band.

The group became one of Queensland's leading concert and cabaret acts.

As a studio session musician, Allan performed regularly on live television shows and recorded numerous international film and television soundtracks.

He also became a highly respected music teacher at several Brisbane schools and gave a start to many young musicians by employing them in his band.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, son Darren, daughter Meredith and three grandchildren, Jasmin, Charlie and Trinity.